A case in point: the blooming of “super-expensive luxury hot springs” all around this fair island hoping to leach into the millions upon millions that the Blue lagoon can rip off foreigners.
At this point in time you can find similar luxury spots in at least six other places here (notwithstanding the industrial silica-induced water the Blue lagoon offers.) Most of which were totally free and enjoyable for all before folks with money to spend, with help from retard local politicians, decided anything free and popular was a bad idea.
Be that as it may.
If it were the case that local folks were benefiting from mafia-like prices to hot springs around the country then we´d shut the fuck up. Sadly that´s not the case.
Laugarfell hot springs is a quite remarkable place in the area of remarkable places in Iceland. Located high up in the highlands of the country and almost within striking distance of Snaefell mountain; the highest peak in Iceland outside of the glaciers.
The place is seldom crowded due to it being quite a bit away from the normal routes tourists take. First you´ll have to drive inland from the town of Egilsstadir for 40 minutes before heading 500 meters up to the highland through a rather decent road called Kárahnjúkavegur. Try saying that shit three times fast.
Alas, you´re not there yet. Still ahead is 20 to 30 minute drive before you spot Laugarfell. Not the hot springs mind you, but the local hostel slash restaurant located at the premises. Turning off the paved Kárahnjúkar road you drive for few hundred meters to get to this place.
The site is a small two-story hostel right next to two man-made hot pools. Doing the 360 turn is nice but not great. Apart from the magnificent Snaefell mountain, often snow covered, you won´t find much of interest apart from nice ambience indoors and even nicer dip into the two heated pools here.
In theory, these are not “natural hot springs” in the sense that mother nature had nothing to do with things here. Rather, the springs were opened after hot water was discovered after drilling in the area. In fact, you can see the actual borehole from both springs.
However, these are nice to dip into after a long drive or hike and decent food can be had in the restaurant. Be aware, the changing rooms and showers are tiny and often crowded but like elsewhere here, folks are required to shower before soaking in the hot water.
Laugarfell is usually only open during the hotter months of the year from May to October but depending on weather conditions that can change. Do check beforehand here.
